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On May 19, an event themed “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” was held at the Azerbaijan National Library within the framework of WUF-13. The event featured the opening of a traditional book exhibition as well as the presentation of an electronic exhibition titled “2026 – Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijani and English.

Opening the event, Director of the National Library, Professor Karim Tahirov, welcomed the participants and noted that according to the decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev on December 22, 2025, the year 2026 was declared the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture.” He emphasized that this decision is of great importance for preserving the country’s rich urban planning and architectural heritage, sustaining national architectural traditions, and ensuring continuity in the development of architecture and urban planning.

The director stated that during the years when National Leader Heydar Aliyev led the country, special attention was paid to the development of urban planning and architecture in Azerbaijan, and significant work was carried out in this field. He noted that under Heydar Aliyev’s initiative, important steps were taken toward the restoration and preservation of historical and architectural monuments, making the protection of Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage one of the key directions of state policy. Today, the extensive construction and development projects implemented under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership are a successful continuation of the development strategy defined by the National Leader.

In his speech, the professor also spoke in detail about the large-scale reconstruction and improvement works carried out in the territories liberated from occupation in recent years. He particularly highlighted the contribution of newly built residential complexes, highways, modern administrative buildings, schools, hospitals, cultural centers, and other social facilities to the region’s development. He also stressed the importance of these efforts in restoring normal life in those territories and ensuring their sustainable development.

The speaker emphasized that Azerbaijan’s hosting of WUF13 (the 13th World Urban Forum) is highly important for presenting the country’s reforms and achievements in urban planning, architecture, and sustainable development at the international level.

Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs and Library-Information Services, Adiba Ismayilova, spoke about the preparation of bibliographic and methodological materials related to urban planning and architecture at the National Library, the organization of electronic projects, and efforts to promote literature on the subject both nationally and internationally.

During the event, the electronic exhibition “2026 – Year of Urban Planning and Architecture,” prepared by the staff of the National Library, was presented. The exhibition showcases books, official documents, photographs, and articles published in periodicals reflecting the development of Azerbaijani architecture from ancient times to the present day, urban planning traditions, historical cities, architectural monuments, distinctive features of folk settlements, construction and engineering arts, national architectural elements, and the activities and works of prominent architects. Publications and articles related to reconstruction and restoration efforts in the liberated territories are also included in the exhibition.

At the end of the event, participants ознакомились with the traditional book exhibition.